MSU ranks 30th in '711 best colleges for your money,' U-M holds third

In a 2017 list of the "711 best colleges for your money," MSU ranked 30th while in-state University of Michigan held the third spot out of 2,400 total schools analyzed in the ranking from Money magazine.

Out of schools across the nation, MSU and U-M represent the best schools for your money for the state of Michigan.

The ranking looks at each college's estimated price for 2017-18 without financial aid, estimated price for 2017-18 with an average grant, the percent of students who get need-based grants, the percent of students who get merit grants and early career earnings among other measures.

According to the rankings, MSU's estimated 2017-18 price without aid is $27,500 and with an average grant is $15,800.

Among students, 35 percent receive need-based grants from MSU and 13 percent receive merit grants. Early career beginnings average at $50,400.

According to an article from MSU Today, MSU ranked 122nd in 2014, ranked 109th in 2015 and ranked 54th in 2016.

In contrast, U-M's estimated estimated 2017-18 price without aid is $29,500 and with an average grant is $17,000.

Among students, 32 percent receive need-based grants from U-M and 24 percent receive merit grants. Early career beginnings average at $61,200.

The rankings were determined by quality of education, affordability and outcomes following graduation.

The rankings follow MSU's announcement of a 3.3 percent average tuition increase for the 2017-18 academic year last month.

U-M announced its new "Go Blue Guarantee" last month, which guarantees free tuition for in-state Ann Arbor campus students who have family incomes of $65,000 and below, according to the Go Blue Guarantee website. U-M plans to begin this initiative for new and current students January 2018.